The Lady Morgana smiled serenely as her portrait swung open allowing Harry and Draco entrance into a room that Harry hadn't had the pleasure of seeing yet. Once inside, the first thing Harry noticed was how squishy the floor felt. It was what he imagined walking on clouds would be like. He chuckled softly when he felt Draco bouncing on the balls of his feet.
The floor was covered wall to wall in a thick, white carpet that your feet sank into by about an inch with each step. The walls were made of stone like the rest of Camelot, but the stones in this room were marbled by streaks of silver and interspersed with dark green gems. The furniture was simple cherry wood with delicate tiny stars and half moons carved into the wood. The only lighting came from several black candles floating in the air towards the ceiling. There was a large marble fireplace on the opposite side of the room from the entrance.
Harry led Draco over to the only cushioned surface in the room which was the equivalent to a large pillow in front of the fireplace. He waited for Draco to get comfortable then sat behind him with his legs wrapped around his mate. He knew that Lady Morgana would show herself when she felt that they were settled.
Harry winced when Draco suddenly gasped and jerked his head back. He'd just head butted Harry in his lower lip and it wasn't a pleasant feeling at all. Harry reached up to touch his lip, checking for blood, when he noticed what had caused such a reaction from the silver eyed man in front of him. Lady Morgana was standing before them. Not in the form of a portrait, but in the flesh. Draco only stared. Harry jumped to his feet, lip forgotten, and bowed deeply to the beautiful woman in front of him.
"Now, Harry, dear do sit down," Morgana chided softly. "There's no need to bow to me. We are family young one, and as such we are equals. Please sit back down with your mate."
"Lady, as you wish," Harry replied as he gracefully lowered himself back to the pillow behind Draco.
"My Lady," Draco greeted with an astonished look. How was she here? He'd never seen anything quite like this before. Draco had grown up in the wizarding world and had seen many odd things, but never had he seen a woman who had been dead for thousands of years appear as flesh and blood before him.
"Come now, children. There is much we need to go over. Please get comfortable as this may take awhile." Morgana responded with a gentle smile.
"My Lady, may I ask you a question?" Harry asked politely.
"In due time you shall learn how it is that I stand before you in the flesh." Morgana answered.
"How did you know that's what I was going to ask?"
"Harry, my dear, you are so full of questions. Please relax and listen to my tale. Then I shall answer any questions you have left."
"Yes, my Lady."
Severus appeared to be the only one to notice that Harry and Draco had disappeared behind the portrait of the magnificent lady in robes of forest green. He knew that face, but he was having a hard time putting a name to it until he saw the portrait next to it. He inhaled sharply when he recognized the regal man in saphire blue robes with tiny little stars embroidered along the edges.
"Dear Merlin-" he breathed.
"Yes Severus. It is I, Merlin. I see you have finally come home. The wizarding world must be in dire need if both heirs have come to Camelot." Portrait Merlin answered.
"I never dared dream that the day would come when I would lay my eyes upon you." Severus said in shock. His breathing had quickened and he thought his heart would beat right out of his chest. He knew his heritage, and he knew that this man in this portrait could answer so many questions. But, he also knew that for some reason, Harry had been summoned here while he had been brought by the child of Gryffindor.
"Only due to your infallible loyalty have you not been summoned. For many years we have waited for your return. Yet, it seems as if that loyalty for one has waned like a fading moon. While your loyalty to another has once again grown quite strong. It is because you have finally opened your heart to the truth that you have been summoned home, Severus. No, you were not directly summoned, but through the true heir have you come home. I know there are many questions to be answered, but I prefer to wait until the Chosen One has returned." Merlin stated regally.
Severus was floored. How did his ancestor know of Voldemort and Dumbledore? And why would he want to wait for Harry? Never having been one to question those of greater intelligence, Severus nodded.
"Severus, are you unwell?" Lucius asked softly in his ear. He had noticed the shock and confusion cross his mate's visage before returning to the cold, unflinching mask he showed the public.
"No, I am fine." Severus replied, eyes never leaving the wizard in the portrait before him.
"May I introduce you to my-" Severus began, but was interrupted by a throat clearing to his left.
"Severus, would you please join us?" Harry asked politely. He still couldn't quite get over the dark beauty of the man before him. Although, he was fairly certain that Draco was his mate, Harry often wondered what Severus's arms would feel like wrapped around him. What he didn't know was that the man was thinking along those same lines as he stared deeply into Harry's eyes.
As Severus began to answer, he heard a low growl coming from his mate. It startled him a bit as he had only heard it once before. It was then that he saw the brilliant sparkle in Harry's eyes, and couldn't quite help from shivering as he lost himself in them. Lucius was becoming quite agitated. He never lost his composure, but he couldn't help his animalistic instincts where Severus was concerned. Harry, however, felt the intense jealousy in the air and smirked at Lucius causing the elder man to growl louder.
"Harry, stop teasing my father. The Lady is waiting. It is rude to keep her doing so." Draco's smooth admonishment caused Harry's smirk to fall into a sheepish smile and he turned to follow Draco back behind the portrait.
"Are you two coming? Or would you rather stay with that lot?" Harry asked teasingly over his shoulder.
"Perhaps we should go." Severus threw over his shoulder as he followed the two younger wizards through the portrait hole. He was still totally entranced by Harry and barely gave a glance to Lucius. Lucius on the other hand was becoming increasingly more agitated. He couldn't help but feel that Harry was encroaching upon his territory, but then again, he also felt that it was right. Was he jealous because the immensely gorgeous young wizard was flirting with Severus? Or was he jealous because Harry wasn't flirting with Lucius? He followed the others inside, yet he missed quite a bit that was said once the conversations began.
"Lord Gryffindor, Lord Slytherin, Lord Malfoy, and Lord Black," the Lady greeted warmly, "It is wonderful to finally have you all return to your true home."
"Excuse me, Lady," Draco began, "I know who the Lord Malfoy is, but who are you referring to with the others?"
"Always so inquisitive, Lord Black. Yes, it is you I am referring, Draco. You are the only living male heir to the Black legacy. While you will also become Lord Malfoy should your father fail to uphold that title, for now you shall be known as Lord Black. Lord Gryffindor, I believe you know who you are by now." Harry nodded once with a sparkle in his eye as he held back a smirk at Lucius and Draco's stunned looks. "And my dearest, Lord Slytherin, I take it that you have still not revealed yourself to your closest allies?" Severus, following Harry's lead, simply nodded once with no expression on his face.
It was then that it dawned on Draco what he had just learned. Not only was he in the company of two of the founders of Hogwarts heirs, but he was in the company, and quite part of, the most powerful wizards in the world. The families of Malfoy, Black, Gryffindor, and Slytherin had always been the strongest of the purebloods. Their power was known to outgauge even that of Dumbledore and Voldemort. To be included in such a group was almost too much for Draco to take in all at once. It took all of his upbringing to keep his composure..
"It's alright, Draco. You can breathe." Harry whispered in his ear. Draco let his breath out with a whoosh and promptly passed out. Harry caught him in his arms, and sat down on the pillow they had occupied earlier. He arranged Draco comfortably in his lap and motioned for the others to continue. Lucius and Severus each took a seat on the hard backed wooden chairs.
"Who would have guessed that he would become giddy with power?" Harry stated with a shrug.
"Giddy? I can't say as I have ever known my son to be giddy," Lucius said with a smirk. "It must be due to so much exposure to certain raven haired gods."
Severus's head snapped up immediately upon hearing that statement. He narrowed his eyes at Lucius before glaring at Harry.
"Harry, whatever you are doing to us, stop!" Severus all but growled at the smirking Lord Gryffindor.
"I am not doing anything to you. Do you feel it too though?" Harry questioned softly. He thought it was wrong, but there was something that was drawing him to both Severus and Lucius. He felt as if he needed them, along with Draco, to always be close. He kept getting flashes of thoughts of the three of them each in different embraces with himself. Never were they all together, but each had been with him alone. He was holding Draco in a passionate embrace bordering on lude. Lucius held him while softly kissing his worries away. But it was the thought of Severus holding him gently while brushing feather light kisses along his neck that caused Harry's heart to beat faster.
"I feel it, but I don't know what it is," Lucius answered softly. His gaze matched Harry's for a moment, and suddenly he felt as if all were right with the world. He felt safe. He felt as if he had finally found his place in life. He could happily drown in those emerald depths.
"I also feel as if I am somewhat safer in Harry's presence. Lady can you explain this to us?" Severus stated softly. He wasn't about to reveal what else he felt in Harry's presence. He did know that if the damn Gryffindor didn't stop looking at him like that, he was going to be in big trouble with Lucius.
"Of course I can, but will I?" Morgana asked with a tinkling laugh.
"I think," Harry began softly, "that I am just going through some hormonal change or something, and it's affecting Sev and Luc."
"Oh, really? So, it's just a hormonal thing that you can't control?" Severus asked with a bit more than normal dissapointment.
"Severus, you sound as if that upsets you." Lucius stated in a barely controlled monotone. He knew Severus was severely dissapointed that Harry thought it was just hormones. Lucius himself was a bit dissapointed as well.
"Lucius, do I detect a hint of jealousy?" Harry asked teasingly.
"Of course not." Lucius replied with a toss of his head.
"Well, gentlemen. Perhaps I should explain." Lady Morgana said with a small smile. These four were definitely going to be hard to handle. She would be surprised if they didn't kill each other before the day was out. If not harming each other, they would eventually find other physical means to express themselves.
"Please, my Lady, explain." Harry replied.
"Severus, I'm sure you feel a deep sated need when you look at Harry. As does Lucius," Morgana began, but Draco awoke just at that moment.
"They feel a what for my mate?!" Draco shouted.
"Here we go again," Harry sighed before planting his lips on Draco's to silence him. It was just like the picture that had formed in his mind. He knew that he had better stop soon, or they would be putting on a show for everyone else in the room. Draco simply brought out the animal in him.
"Nicely done, Harry." Severus murmured just loud enough to be heard. He couldn't take his eyes off of the perfect picture that Harry and Draco made together. It was like watching the sunrise at sunset. Impossible, but simply spectacular.
Draco succumbed to Harry's kiss and lifted a hand up to run through his long dark hair. He had completely forgotten what he'd heard as Harry gently pulled away.
"Now, may I continue?" Morgana asked in amusement and received stunned nods all around.
"It began a long time ago. I had two children, but only one was by my Lord Merlin. The other was by his son," Severus and the two Malfoys gasped, "No, do not think such thoughts. Arthur is not my child, but that would be Merlin's story to tell, not mine. My eldest son, Godric, is Arthur's half brother. He was taken from me immediately after birth and placed in the elven realm to be raised by my father, Illadrael. Soon after, I seduced Arthur, and conceived another son. I name him Salazar. I kept Salazar with me and he was raised as I saw fit. Now, I know I made a mistake. My two children met as adults and became fast friends. But, that friendship only lasted as long as my secret. When Godric spoke of his mother, Salazar knew. I had told him of his brother, but never his name. Godric hadn't ever been told of Salazar, but only of me. They confronted me in this exact room. The mess that ensued was quite dramatic. Nevertheless, this is what caused the break between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Each of my sons produced heirs. None of Salazar's children ever came to Camelot. They denied their true heritage, which caused the wizarding blood to wash out the elven in that line. It would be a truly strong heir who would someday make their way to Camelot. What all of this means to you is that Severus must choose an heir. Lord Slytherin has finally come home. His wizarding blood will once again be cleansed by the elven creating a new line. Harry must choose a mate. Without a mate, the Gryffindor line shall die out over time. Lucius must learn to share. He must learn to be open with those who are here to protect and love him. Draco, you must learn to accept whatever may come. There will many trials along the way. In short, Lord Gryffindor and Lord Slytherin must reclaim the wizarding throne and muggle crown. Their mates will help them rise to glory, but I must tell you one very important thing. Never, never shall Lord Slytherin or Lord Gryffindor marry or become handfasted. The elven blood that Harry carries has washed away all but the purest of the wizarding blood in his body. Just as Severus can explain. He too went through such a change. Because their blood has been cleansed by elven magic, they are no longer considered of one family. That is why Godric and Salazar took on Gryffindor and Slytherin as surnames. Now, I know I haven't explained the attraction, but I shall do so now. Since Harry and Severus are both of elven blood, they feel a stronger attraction for each other. I know that the Malfoys are of Veela inheritance, and that is the only thing keeping Harry and Severus from each other. It would be highly foolhardy to leave the two of them alone."
"Are you saying the if we just walked out of the room, those two would go at it like bunnies?" Draco asked in astonishment. He was going to have to share! Share his mate! With his Godfather and Father! How absolutely revolting!
"Calm yourself, Draco. Am I correct in assuming that Draco has not been told of his birth?" Morgana asked.
"No, My Lady, he has not," Lucius said as he bowed his head.
"Perhaps, you should explain," Morgana suggested softly.
"What about Draco's birth? Wasn't he conceived by Narcissa and Lucius?" Harry asked.
"No, he wasn't," Lucius sighed. "Draco, Narcissa is not your mother. I am not your father."
"What the bloody hell!?" Draco screeched, " I look just like you! How am I not your son?!" Harry sat quietly. He was beyond curious about this one. Who the hell were Draco's parents?
"Your mother is an elf. Your father was," Lucius took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "Sirius Black."
"No fucking way!" Harry jumped to his feet dumping Draco onto the floor with a thump!.
"My mother was an elf?" Draco whispered, " You mean that I'm not part veela? And I've never met my mother before?" Draco was stunned. He hadn't quite taken in who his father, No, he's not your father, said had conceived him with an elf.
"Yes, Draco, and she was very beautiful. Her name was Argent. She didn't survive your birth. Your father, Sirius, brought you back from the elven realm and asked Narcissa and I take you in. This was before the whole fiasco with the Dark Lord and the Potters. Narcissa and I couldn't say no. Even though he had been disowned, Sirius and Narcissa had always kept in touch. It explains why you look so much like your mother. I hope you can forgive me. I have always loved you as my own." Lucius poured his heart out for the first time since Black had entered his home with a tiny bundle in his arms asking them to please care for his son. It took every bit of training Lucius had ever had to keep his composure as he watched his son. He badly wanted to reach out to him, but was afraid of the rejection.
"You're telling him that my Godfather was his Dad! I can't believe this shit! This is absolutely the most fucked up day I have ever had in my life! And that's including all of the shit Voldie's thrown at me for the past six years!" Harry was fast losing control of his magic. A small tornado was skimming the ceiling and it looked as if a few bolts of lightening were about to singe Lucius's head.
"Harry, please calm yourself," Morgana began, "Your mate needs you to remain calm. This is his time. You must learn control."
"Draco!" Harry exclaimed as he dropped to his knees. "I'm so sorry my love."
"It's okay. It explains a lot." Draco mumbled into Harry's chest.
"Draco, I hope you can forgive me for not telling you sooner. I am so very sorry that you never got to know your real father." Lucius gulped down the tears trying to escape. Malfoys do not cry!
"I understand. I don't blame you. Thank you for keeping me." Draco whispered through the lump in his throat.
"I do hope that the four of you will learn from this. You need each other. You must remain strong in the face of all that shall come. I must be going back now. My father is requesting my presence in the elven realm. Please be safe. Perhaps you will stay the night in the castle?"
"No, My Lady. I believe that we shall be going home." Harry said as he picked Draco up and exited the room.
